George Caleb Bingham is best known for paintings of masculine river workers and political players. He, however, frequently painted portraits of women and children. He also occasionally made pictures that reflected other aspects of domestic life in the nineteenth century.

Women were very important in Bingham’s personal life. His letters reveal respect and admiration for his wives, mother, sister and daughter. Indeed, he took special pride in the accomplishments of his daughter, Clara Bingham, an exceptionally talented needlework artist.

The images in this exhibition reveal Bingham as a man who, despite the stereotypical attitudes common to his era, exhibited an unusual recognition of the intelligence and individuality the women and young people he depicted.